Author: Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Mustangs advance with rout of Throckmorton

SPRINGTOWN — As Benjamin kept scoring on one-play drives Friday night, it became only a matter of time the Mustangs were going to mercy-rule Throckmorton.  

But the top-ranked team in Class A Division II wanted to end things by halftime in its state quarterfinal matchup at Porcupine Stadium.  

That’s why the Mustangs called timeouts on Throckmorton’s final second-quarter possession. It proved to be a savvy move as Grayson Rigdon’s 44-yard touchdown catch with five seconds left put the finishing touches on a 48-0 victory.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Albany uses big second half to eliminate Muenster

GRAHAM – Albany was challenged for the first time in a couple months Thursday night.  

The sixth-ranked Lions needed a touchdown in the last minute of the first half against Muenster to take a lead into the locker room in a Region II-2A Division II area round matchup.     

But once Albany regained the lead against the Hornets, there were no plans to relinquish it. The Lions scored six second-half touchdowns to pull away for a convincing 56-10 victory at Newton Field.  

Albany (10-2) advances to face No. 4 Wink (12-0), which eliminated Santo 35-19, at a time and place to be determined, while Muenster ends its season at 6-6.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Jim Ned locks up third straight district title with gutsy win at Iowa Park

IOWA PARK — Jim Ned hasn’t backed down from the adversity it has faced throughout this season.

So it was no surprise the Indians rose to the occasion once more against Iowa Park on Thursday night with the District 3-3A Division I title on the line.

After falling behind midway through the third quarter, the Indians scored the game’s final three touchdowns to claim a 31-13 victory at Hawk Stadium.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Vinson battles through diabetes to become one of area’s more versatile players

If you watched Jim Ned’s Avery Vinson play volleyball for the first time, you’d notice a few things about the junior.   

She never comes off the court. The six-rotation standout helps the Lady Indians as an outside hitter while sharing setting duties with Kate Bryant.  

She has really good hands, which is one reason she leads Jim Ned with 478 assists. She’s also a lefty, which adds another dimension to the Lady Indians’ attack.  

Perhaps you’d notice the passion Vinson has for the game and how she’s become more of a leader this year.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Stephenville’s Maruska could find a spot in the SHS history books

Tate Maruska is well on his way to rewriting Stephenville’s rushing records.  

With 16 touchdowns in six games, the junior is on pace to break the Yellow Jackets’ mark of 29 scores set by Kason Phillips in 2020.  

Coach Sterling Doty wasn’t sure what Stephenville’s single-season rushing record was off the top of his head, but with Maruska already having 1,290 yards, it’s not a stretch to say that total is in danger of falling too.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Senior Madilyn Loper enjoying leadership role in her final season

Photos courtesy of The Dublin Citizen

Madilyn Loper isn’t ready for her time as a Dublin volleyball player to end.  

Loper has been on varsity since the early stages of her freshman season. Now she’s a senior standout who knows her playing days at Dublin are numbered. 

“Volleyball is going to be incredibly hard to say goodbye to,” Loper said. “It’s been so much fun, and I have made some of the best memories I could possibly imagine. I have put all my time and effort into this sport, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”  

Loper has been a stalwart in Arin Knight’s first year as Dublin’s head coach. She leads the Lady Lions with 2.2 kills per set and 23 aces while also ranking second in digs.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Jim Ned recovering from plague of injuries as district race heats up

Jim Ned is still Jim Ned.  

That’s the message coach Matt Fanning is confident his Indians will convey as District 3-3A Division I kicks off this week.  

After an injury-riddled start to their season that included three consecutive losses, Jim Ned (2-3) closed out non-district with a pair of victories. The Indians look to keep that momentum going into Friday night’s 3-3A debut at Bowie.   

“Our kids understood at the time – they’re savvy football players,” Fanning said. “We’re still Jim Ned. We weathered the storm and got some younger guys lots of reps.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Trent’s lone senior providing leadership in Lady Gorilla’s return to volleyball

Photo courtesy of Jacob Brenem, Brenem Productions

Gracie Dearing feels like the rewards for playing volleyball at Trent are constant.  

The senior captain hadn’t ever competed in the sport before it was brought back last year after a hiatus dating back to the 1950s.  

But Dearing became interested when she saw a video of a men’s volleyball match. Getting an opportunity to represent her school and help start a program from scratch was too good of a chance to pass up.  

“It’s been very rewarding, not only as an individual but as a team,” Dearing said. “This team has worked really hard to keep this program going. It’s been hard with how little players we have.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Haskell’s Marquise Johnson proving himself to be top-quality utility man

Marquise Johnson hadn’t played the position in about four years.  

But when Mitch McLemore was looking for someone to take over as Haskell’s starting quarterback this season, he turned to last year’s slot receiver.  

“He’s had a little bit of a learning curve, but he brought the most to the table as far as athleticism, throwing, running and smarts,” McLemore said. “He’s done a great job learning a lot of stuff in a short period of time.”  

The Indians are taking a 2-3 record into this week’s important District 7-2A Division II game at Petrolia, where McLemore spent two years (2019-20) as head coach.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Versatile Bryant helping Lady Indians to banner season

Photos by Meredith Goodwin

Is versatile Jim Ned senior Kate Bryant better as an outside hitter or as a setter?  

It’s a question that leaves Lady Indians volleyball coach Miranda Garcia stumped upon reflection.  

“Ooohh that’s a tough one. She has always been a great setter, always had great hands, even in middle school,” Garcia said. “Her hitting has really come along since her sophomore year. She wanted to be an outside hitter since middle school, so she’s really been working on hitting.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Clyde off to great start with the help of defensive specialist

Photos by Rachel Laughlin and Tony Brockway 

Clyde’s Chloe Ukle works best under pressure.  

The senior libero thrives when opposing teams send volleyballs hurling her way, sprawling all over the court for digs.   

“What I love about being a libero is the control that I have of the back row,” Ukle said. “Knowing that I am in control of what goes on in the back row pushes me harder.”  

Ukle’s defensive efforts are a key reason the Lady Bulldogs are 20-12 heading into Tuesday’s non-district finale against Glen Rose. Despite facing difficult competition, Ukle leads the Big Country with 5.4 digs per set and has tallied 457 digs for the year.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Breckenridge QB not surprised by Buckaroos’ quick start in 2022

Breckenridge has surprised a few folks around the Big Country, racing off to a 3-0 start that includes wins over perennial powers Childress and Cisco.  

But senior quarterback Chase Lehr isn’t one of them.  

“I know all of the hard work we have put in,” Lehr said. “This is what we have been working up to for the past couple of years, and now it’s finally starting to show.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Versatile Williams’ leadership matching her physical talent

Kamryn Williams is more than just a six-rotation standout for Wall’s volleyball program.  

While she once again leads the No. 8 Lady Hawks in kills (3.7 per set), it’s Williams’ senior leadership and determination that have been just as impressive.  

“For the first time, she’s not necessarily our only go-to player because now anytime, we can go to anyone,” Wall coach Robynn Jones said. “That says a lot about Kamryn.

“She’s helped other players come into their own and gain the confidence they need so we can have a great team, not a good team.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Brock falls to Wichita Falls Hirschi in overtime thriller

By Zach Duncan, special to Big Country Preps

WICHITA FALLS — Two heavyweights repeatedly traded punches Thursday night at Memorial Stadium.  

Brock’s Billy Mathis watched his squad force overtime with 31 seconds remaining against a Hirschi team ranked No. 3 in 4A Division II.  

Already having battled back from multiple second-half deficits, the Eagles were ready to answer once again in the extra session after the Huskies’ A’Marion Peterson scored from 17 yards out.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

SWEETWATER FEATURE: Slimmed down Mustang nose guard Mekogue ready for 2022

SWEETWATER — Noel Mekogue’s confidence has done nothing but grow in the past year.

A stellar junior season as Sweetwater’s nose guard is one reason for that. Another is the two new sports Mekogue succeeded in last year.

Now that Mekogue is one of just a few Mustangs with starting experience, even greater things are expected of him in 2022. It’s a challenge he has prepped for.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

2022 SWEETWATER FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Mustangs bring a host of new faces to the field in 2022

SWEETWATER — It’s staggering how much Sweetwater lost to graduation after coach Russell Lucas’ first year.  

Twenty-seven seniors walked across the stage last May, leaving the Mustangs with only three returning starters from an 8-4 squad that won a district title and advanced to the second round.  

Lucas is aware of his team’s youth, but he doesn’t want that to define his 2022 squad, either.   

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GOLDTHWAITE FEATURE: Campbell twins ready for final year on the gridiron

Carsyn and Cutter Campbell have been competing against each other their whole lives.  

It doesn’t matter if it’s on the football field or at their house, Goldthwaite’s senior twins are always seeing who the “big dog” is.  

“Whether it’s the first one who gets to the truck or who can eat the most food, we’re fighting for it,” Carsyn said. “Everything is a competition. We’ll end up tying or one of us will win, then the other will win the next time. We don’t have a legit answer on who’s the better twin.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GOLDTHWAITE 2022 FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Youthful Eagles welcome a new coach and a new system

GOLDTHWAITE — Andy Howard is more than comfortable being back on Goldthwaite’s sidelines.  

It’s the hometown of his wife, where his four kids still go to school and where he spent from 2015-18 coaching the Eagles’ defense under Greg Proffitt.  

After being at Brownwood the past three-plus years, Howard returns to lead a football program that has four state titles on its resume but also hasn’t enjoyed a winning season since 2016.  

Continue reading “GOLDTHWAITE 2022 FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Youthful Eagles welcome a new coach and a new system” →

by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

STATE SOFTBALL PREVIEW: Coahoma, Stamford, Hermleigh set to compete for titles

The Big Country will be heavily represented at this week’s UIL state softball tournament as Coahoma, Stamford and Hermleigh will vie for championships.  

The action begins Tuesday as the Lady Cardinals take on Chireno at 10 a.m. in the Class 1A semifinals. Stamford will take the next step in defending its Class 2A championship by facing Lovelady at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the semis.  

Making its first state appearance since 2008, Coahoma will meet Franklin at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Class 3A semifinals. All games will be played at the University of Texas’ Red and Charline McCombs Field.  

Here’s a look at what each team is facing in Austin: 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Goodwins to square off in father-son showdown for trip to the state tournament

The text came across Tyler Goodwin’s phone once Ira got off to a great start against Westbrook and after Nazareth had already locked up its berth in the Region I-A finals.  

“I think I’m going to puke,” it read.     

Don’t blame Kristi Goodwin for feeling this way. Either her husband, who has spent the past 24 years coaching at Ira, will lead the Bulldogs to their first state tournament in program history.  

Or her oldest son will return the Swifts to Dell Diamond in his first season as their head baseball coach.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Big Spring freshman the lone representative at state for the Lady Steers

Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

Niomi Wines isn’t surprised she qualified for the UIL Class 4A state track meet.  

The Big Spring freshman will compete in the high jump at 9 a.m. Thursday and then turn around and run the 200 later that night.  

“I thought it was a realistic goal, I just had to work a little bit to achieve it,” Wines said. “It was very realistic from the start.”  
Continue reading “FEATURE: Big Spring freshman the lone representative at state for the Lady Steers” →

by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Whitmire’s aggression in the circle paying off for Breckenridge

By Zach Duncan, special to Big Country Preps

Chloe Whitmire isn’t afraid to challenge opposing batters.   

The Breckenridge sophomore has always had the heat to back up that aggressive mindset. Now Whitmire also has tweaked her off-speed repertoire, making her one of the Big County’s toughest pitchers to hit. 

“With my catcher in front of me and a solid defense behind me, it gives me the opportunity to really try some of the big bats,” Whitmire said. “Sometimes it gets us in trouble, but that’s just how we play.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Stamford’s Faulks a top regional threat in 300 hurdles

Dylan Faulks admits to having a love-hate relationship with the 300 hurdles.  

The Stamford senior owns one of the best times at the Class 2A level and is hoping to return to state next month. As a junior, Faulks finished seventh last year in Austin, but he’s already running a faster time heading into regionals.  

“The thing I like most about track is that it is a gut sport,” Faulks said. “Especially the 300s, not everybody can do it, so it makes it special.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Maiden relays a threat to win three state titles

Haskell’s girls relay teams truly believe they can beat anybody at the Class 2A level.  

That confidence was instilled last year when they captured three relay medals at state. It’s only grown under new coach Mindy Myers, who’s no stranger to success on the sport’s biggest stage.   

Last week’s area track meet was the next step of progression for the Lady Indians, who ran their fastest times of the year in the 4×100 (50.01), 4×200 (1:45.27) and 4×400 (4:06.42).   

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Winters’ Jalomo, a genuine Big Country star at shortstop or behind the plate

When Winters senior Saleen Jalomo steps into the batter’s box, everyone holds their breath.  

One dugout prepares for Jalomo to either rip the ball into the gap or over the fence, while the other dugout braces for potential damage.  

Lady Blizzards coach Kendra Bryant knows something special could happen on the next pitch. Meanwhile, Jalomo simply focuses on waiting for a good pitch. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Multi-sport standout Roberson at his very best in track and field

Photos courtesy of Cassie Gang Photography

Coleman’s Devinar Roberson has an explosiveness that can’t be taught.  

He’s motivated by a play-to-win mentality. And he doesn’t mind putting on a show, either.  

Those qualities make Roberson not only a state title contender in multiple field events, but also a must-watch competitor every time the senior jumps.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Clyde standout Payton Phillips hoping for a return trip to Austin

Payton Phillips knows where she wants to visit next month.  

The Clyde junior enjoyed her first experience at the UIL state track meet last spring, competing in the 3A long jump and 100 hurdles. It left Phillips wanting more.  

“My experience at state was eye-opening because I got to see competition like I haven’t seen before,” Phillips said. “Seeing so many great athletes pushed me to run and jump to my fullest potential.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Jaybirds heading into the playoffs simply wanting to enjoy the experience

When the UIL boys basketball playoffs start this week, Jayton will enter as one of several highly ranked favorites to capture Region I-A.  

A third trip to state in four years would be quite an accomplishment for Ryan Bleiker’s program. However, that’s not on the mind of the longtime Jaybirds coach right now.  

“We really do just try to enjoy the process, enjoy each win,” Bleiker said. “What I never want to happen is that we take things for granted, that winning a bi-district game doesn’t mean as much. I really want us to try and enjoy each moment while also having goals, but those goals will come if we enjoy the process.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Basketball-mad Coahoma senior Ashford looking to finish strong

Photos courtesy of Lyndel Moody/Coahoma ISD

Raheem Ashford loves basketball. 

If the senior isn’t playing the sport for Coahoma, he’s probably watching a game on television. If he’s not doing that, he’s likely playing NBA 2K. 

“Basketball is what I do in my free time,” Ashford said. “I’m just strictly a basketball guy. I ran track last year and I’ve tried baseball, but I feel like basketball is the only sport for me.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Solid foundation, depth the keys for Jim Ned girls heading into playoffs

Claire Graham is focused on enjoying the moment.

As Jim Ned’s lone senior, she knows more than most about the challenges that lay ahead in a difficult Region I-3A.

But Graham also is aware of the keys to district and postseason success. The Lady Indians’ leadership is a main reason why they’ll head to the playoffs with a 30-1 record and No. 5 state ranking.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Snyder’s Murillo not just a top-flight scorer

Photos by Jose Jimenez/Snyder News.

There’s no denying that Snyder’s Eber Murillo is one of the Big Country’s most dangerous offensive weapons.  

But labeling Murillo, who averages 21.2 points a game, as purely a scorer doesn’t do the senior justice.  

Tigers coach Lee Scott depends on the 6-foot-4 Murillo to defend the opponent’s best player, whether it be a guard or forward. He leads Snyder in both rebounds and blocks.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Roscoe girls enjoying banner season

There’s something special brewing in Roscoe, and girls basketball coach Shella Arnwine is the first to admit that.  

The Plowgirls are now 23-6 after knocking off Forsan Tuesday night and sealing the program’s first district championship in more than a decade.  

However, these impressive accomplishments only tell part of Roscoe’s story.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Haskell’s Hanson closing memorable high school career

Haskell’s Delaney Hanson admits sports have only been a portion of her high school career.  

But what a four years it has been on the hardwood for the Maidens’ 6-foot post who plays like a guard.  

While college lingers on the horizon, Hanson is squarely focused on leading Haskell to a playoff berth in a rugged District 10-2A race. Hanson enters Friday’s critical home game against Cisco averaging 16.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and two blocks.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Brock’s Jones waiting out foot injury as playoffs approach

The last few weeks have been tough on Brock’s Nathan Jones.  

A competitive person at heart, Jones wants to be out on the court helping the Eagles. But the University of Minnesota football signee also knows the importance of letting his foot injury heal.  

The plan is for the All-Big Country Preps standout to return during the second half of district, which means fans will soon be seeing Brock’s 6-foot-6 post who averaged 19 points last season.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Hard-working Merkel senior O’Malley looking to finish career off right

Alyssa O’Malley’s happy place is inside a basketball gym.

That’s where the Merkel senior spends most of her free time, honing her shot and working on her craft.

“A special coach once told me that there is always someone out there working harder than you,” O’Malley said. “There is a lot of pride taken into my work ethic as I know that the preparation side of the game is vital to the way I perform.”

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Stamford girls still thriving under new coach and new tactics

Joe Crabb knew he was inheriting a talented girls basketball team when he became Stamford’s coach over the summer.  

But Crabb had no idea the profound impact the Lady Bulldogs would have on him in such a short amount of time.

“It’s a special, special group to me. I’ve liked all my kids I’ve ever coached, but I feel like we’re a really close group,” Crabb said. “It’s been a blast. They’ve given me a new lease on life, rejuvenated me for sure.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Albany pulls away from Windthorst to avenge last season’s loss

GRAHAM — As quarterback Cole Chapman continued backpedaling to take one last knee Friday night, Albany’s celebration could finally commence.  

The fourth-ranked Lions had waited a long time to get the better of defending champion Windthorst. Thanks to another quick start and a relentless defense, Albany avenged last year’s disappointment with a 28-14 victory at Newton Field. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Santo falls to Windthorst, 40-7

rioGRAHAM — When Santo’s option offense gets rolling, it puts opponents on edge and drains precious minutes off the clock.  

But the Wildcats couldn’t gain any traction Friday afternoon against No. 3 Windthorst’s dominant front. 

That translated into a lot of Santo punts and short fields for the Trojans, who kept their title defense hopes alive with a 40-7 victory at Newton Field. 

Windthorst (12-1) advances to play Albany next week for the Region II-2A Division II title, while Santo ends one of its best seasons in school history at 11-2. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Stephenville’s Reese Young spearheading a quietly effective defense

Stephenville’s prolific offense garners much regional and statewide attention.  

While the headlines are deserved, another crucial reason why the No. 2 Yellow Jackets are one game away from a perfect regular season has to do with the guys on the other side of the ball.  

Linebacker Reese Young and his defensive brethren have made a stark improvement from a year ago.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Strong senior class fueling Wylie volleyball into playoffs

The seven seniors that Wylie volleyball coach Shay Cox works with hold a special place in her heart.

Five of them were in Cox’s fifth grade PE class when she started out with the district, and Cox has enjoyed watching them grow and thrive on a yearly basis.

Entering the playoffs Tuesday with a 6 p.m. match against Amarillo Tascosa at Lubbock Coronado, the Wylie seniors are guaranteed just one more match. But both Cox and her core group of leaders are determined to extend their time together as long as possible. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Hoops-crazy Lingleville enjoying fine football season

Photo by Keith Philips

Now is usually about the time Lingleville is counting down the days until basketball season.  

The Cardinals have had only two winning seasons since football returned in 2010, and expectations for this fall weren’t sky high after last year’s 1-9 record.  

But football is all the buzz these days in western Erath County as Lingleville (6-1) has been one of the Big Country’s biggest surprises. Coach Ken Davis and the Cardinals have won six straight games heading into Friday’s critical District 13-A Division I matchup against Baird.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Jacksboro edges Eastland 51-48 in wild District 5-3A DII clash

JACKSBORO — Eastland’s Judson Beard sliced through Jacksboro’s defense for a 57-yard touchdown Friday night with 2:34 left, propelling the Mavericks back into the lead.

But no advantage seemed to be safe in a District 5-3A Division II shootout at Tiger Stadium.

Jacksboro had just enough time to answer as quarterback Lando Belcher scored from four yards out with 42 seconds remaining, lifting the Tigers to a wild 51-48 victory.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Resurgent Baird Bears seeking to continue climb in Schlieve’s second season

Photos by Sarah Schlieve

Baird has experienced growth in Derek Schlieve’s second season running the football program.

The Bears got off to their best start in a couple decades, winning their first five games and handing Gordon its only loss of the season.

Even though their momentum was slightly dashed after Friday’s 78-30 loss to Fort Worth Covenant Classical, Schlieve is insistent his guys are remembering the big picture.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Close-knit Benjamin volleyball team outperforming expectations despite youth

Photos by Brittany Lowe 

The Benjamin volleyball team’s theme this season is “Believe in We.”  

It’s a three-word motto the Lady Mustangs have taken to heart during a successful 2021 campaign despite depending on a heavy dose of underclassmen.  

That belief in each other has forged a dynamic team chemistry that is one of the reasons Benjamin is ranked No. 18 in the state at the Class 2A/1A level.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Albany’s Chapman making move to quarterback look easy

Albany’s Denney Faith had high expectations before the 2021 season regarding Cole Chapman taking over the reins of the Lions’ attack.  

Faith had seen Chapman excel at the position at lower levels. He’d seen Chapman thrive on varsity last season at receiver and cornerback.  

Faith also knew the supporting cast Albany had would be able to put Chapman in the best position possible to succeed.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Cotter’s arrival in Albany gives Lady Lions one of the area’s most versatile players

Albany’s Sarah Beth Cotter is still relatively new to volleyball.  

Those who’ve been the victim of her thunderous kills lately would be slightly surprised to find out Cotter didn’t begin playing the sport until the eighth grade.  

That’s when she enrolled in Albany ISD after previously having been home-schooled.  

“I begged my mom to let me go to public school so I could play multiple sports,” Cotter said. “I had only played tennis my whole life but wanted to try something new. The switch wasn’t too hard because I already knew most of the girls at my school and on my sports teams.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Mann, Thornton join forces to help Santo to 6-0 start

Photos courtesy of Jim Taylor

rioAfter Santo knocked off Rio Vista in the first game this season, head coach Devon Mann had a gift to deliver.

Mann admittedly isn’t a big fan of delving out game balls, but he made an exception in Week 1, presenting the pigskin to someone he knows well – Santo’s all-time winningest coach Randy Thornton.

After four years away running Hico’s program, Thornton has returned to the small Palo Pinto County town and joined Mann’s staff as the offensive coordinator.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Snyder’s versatile Burns as good on the backline as she is at the net

Action photos by Ali Martinez. Portrait by Mindi Bredemeyer. 

Joanie Burns has worked hard to become a valuable, versatile player in Snyder’s attack.  

But while the senior has put in dozens of hours to hone her craft, she doesn’t quite see it as a burden.   

“I would say I’ve worked hard,” she said. “However, it’s not work when you love what you’re doing.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Resurgent Lady Eagle volleyball a Big Country surprise in 2021

Abilene High School is enjoying a turnaround season under first-year head volleyball coach Caroline Cleveland.  

The Lady Eagles have won 19 games heading into Tuesday’s match against Frenship. Even though they haven’t gotten off to the best district start, Cleveland sees how much potential her girls possess nearly every day.  

One example of that upside is sophomore setter Shea Bruntmyer, who is thriving in her first season as a six-rotation player.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Lambert rapidly becoming one of the area’s top quarterbacks

Lambert

Stephenville’s successful quarterback lineage is one of the Big County’s most impressive athletic accomplishments.

Junior Ryder Lambert knows that tradition well. He can’t pick just one quarterback when asked who he enjoyed watching lead the Yellowjackets’ offense while growing up.

But he doesn’t have to look very hard for motivation, either.  

“I can say that I am lucky to be coached every day by one of the best with coach (Kelan) Luker,” Lambert said of his quarterback coach who led Stephenville to a championship in 1998. “I hope to represent Stephenville as well as he did and hopefully bring home a state title.”

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